Wannon's Dan Tehan facing new challenges in government

There was a swing of 4.1 percent to the Liberal Party's Dan Tehan, who told ABC Local Radio's Jeremy Lee he was humbled by his victory.

"I think you're always a little bit surprised. Often you're very close to them (campaigns) so it's hard to tell how it's going or what's happening."

Mr Tehan says his focus during the campaign was on important local issues and he was pleased to secure funding commitments such as $10 million for an integrated cancer care centre.

"I thought that was something which the electorate had made loud and clear they wanted."

He says he was also pleased about a $25 million funding commitment for the Great Ocean Road and $2.5 million for the Condah-Hotspur Road.

"Although these are local roads or they're State Government roads, my view has always been that if we can get some federal government assistance to help, that's a good thing."

Mr Tehan says moving from opposition to government will be an "interesting challenge".

"There's obviously some things I'm going to have to learn, this will be a new aspect of the job, but I think if I work hard and put the effort in, hopefully we'll be able to continue to get the results."

He says he won't be pushing for a promotion within the government.

"I'll do what I'm asked to do, I think if you go along and do your job well that's the best way to make your case for future promotion."

Michael Barling on his loss

The Labor Party candidate Michael Barling was philosophical when reflecting on his loss, and the good will between the major party candidates reflected what they both identified was a positive local campaign.

"We knew it was going to be a tough ask, we ran a relentlessly positive campaign and I'm really pleased with the fact we did that," says Mr Barling.

"I appreciate the fact I had two gracious opponents in the form of Dan and Tim Emanuelle (from the Greens), terrific blokes to talk to along the campaign trail."

He says he would like to run for the seat again.

"I'm ready to go again, there's no question about that, (but) the Labor Party might find a better option."